Need Some Advice (1LT -> 2SS)

[TDevilsG]

Hi Everyone. Love the help I get from this forum, just wanted to say that first. Anyway I've had my 2012 1LT for about three months now, love the car but would like to explore the idea of trading it in for a 2SS. Yes, I realize I should have done this to begin with but hindsight is 20/20 so bear with me. The car ended up costing around 31K because its new and loaded with options (RS Package, Rear View, Black Stripe, Boston Acoustics, custom leather interior, upgraded polish wheels, convenience and connectivity package). So far I'm down to about 24K left on the loan. I've discussed the idea of trading my car in for a used 2011 2SS with my dealer and he said its definitely do-able. I'm paying about 430 a month now which I think is fantastic for the ride, and I told him I'm looking to be paying no more than the low 500s. I've also got a great interest rate at 2.9%. I have a couple of questions and need advice from everyone though. Do you think its worth it to trade in a newer model for a 2011 despite the obvious power upgrade? What kind of options come standard on a 2SS that wouldn't on the 1LT with what I have on it now? I know I would be getting the V8 upgrade, heads up display, heated mirrors as obvious upgrades. I would definitely want the RS package on the 2SS as well. Does it come with Boston acoustics? Convenience and connectivity? Also, I'm looking for a ride that doesn't have more than 15K-20K max miles on it. What price range should I be bargaining for? Thank you all for your help, knowledge and support as always.

[caverman]

The 2SS will come with all the stuff you mentioned...BA sound, Bluetooth, HUD, etc. However, I'm pretty sure the review camera only started with the 2012 so you'll have to add that aftermarket (which there is a DIY on for about $450).

There are other things like the steering wheel and the numeric display on the guages that will be different between a '11 and '12. Personally I like all that stuff from the '10-'11 better than the '12 but that's all personal preference.

If you can live without HUD you could get an even better deal on a 2010. I don't know what they are all going for currently but just reading a couple posts around here some have bought a 2010 SS for the high 20's - low 30's range depending on options. My guess is that if you went through a dealer you'll probably get enough to pay off your 1LT but you might not have much more left over. So, you would have to be close to financing all of the cost of the new Camaro. I'm just guessing though.

Do a search on 2010-2011 Camaros For Sale to see what they are going for. Look at eBay and Car Max to get an idea on pricing.

[01pewterz28]

Well your 1st mistake was letting them know how much you can afford to pay never do that. Seeing your car was $31k you can pretty much guarantee they will pay your car off and nothing more.

-HUD standard (1LT Nope)
-Brembo Brakes (V6 nope)
-Better suspension (V6 nope)
-Leather Interior (Avail on 2LT & 2SS)
-Aux gauges (2LT & 2SS)
-Loss of rear view backup Camera (avail 2012 models)

It's really up to you the advantages you have with the 2SS over the 1LT. If it was me I would pass hold out for a 2012 2SS/RS the 2013's will be out in the Summer.

[Nessal]

Get a 2012 if anything. IMO, the yearly improvements are totally worth it. Only reason I got a 2011 was because of CGM.

[BA RS]

the back up camera started with the late 2010's.

[nyrfan]

Originally Posted by BA RS

the back up camera started with the late 2010's.

Incorrect! The back up camera did not start until the 2012 models.

OP, IMO I personally would not sell such a new car to get into a used one. If you are hell bent on an SS, make it a new one. Also NEVER, EVER tell the dealer what you are looking to pay, they have the upper hand now.

[gjarzabek009]

Lol never play the monthly game with the dealer!!!!!!! AAAAAH

[BowlingSS]

I would not get a older one. Get a 2012 or keep yours for awhile.

Bill

[SSGUNNER]

Wow. Good luck

[01pewterz28]

Originally Posted by BA RS

the back up camera started with the late 2010's.

The back up sensors were available staring Sept 2009 on the 2LT & 2SS, the rearview mirror backup camera was not available until the 2012 production year.

Sean

[TDevilsG]

Not to run on a tangent but yes, I am aware the backup camera didn't start until the 2012 models.

The dealer is a friend and a good guy, I'm not worried about him screwing me over. However, at the same time I would like to stay prepared with what the cost of a 2011 should run me.

Yes, I do agree that the 2012 changes are significant. However I don't know if I can afford a 2SS that is new. A 2011 model or earlier would make a whole lot more sense financially.

If I'm not offered a good price in the range I am looking for, I have no incentive to make the exchange - I'm not concerned about that. I will keep my new car. I love it anyway. I'm just interested in the V8. Perhaps I will go with the 1SS but I do love the leather.

[damiiaaannn]

I don't understand why you'd even get the V6 in the first place. Why didn't you test drive both the V6 and the V8? You are going to loose money if you do it, but then again it's your money, so do what you want.

[TDevilsG]

Originally Posted by damiiaaannn

I don't understand why you'd even get the V6 in the first place. Why didn't you test drive both the V6 and the V8? You are going to loose money if you do it, but then again it's your money, so do what you want.

Call it lack of inexperience. In any event this doesn't really add anything to the discussion, does it?

[joey0480]

This is totally up to you, but only way I would consider doing this is if you keep your payment 475 or less. Don't be jumping up into 500's on a used vehicle by trading in your new vehicle......